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vidhi26p's review
5.0
I loved this! Short and sweet, it gives a glimpse into Kyra’s life, her joyful, adventurous personality and the mistakes that turned her into the vengeful mother that we see in A Spark of White Fire.
ejpass's review
5.0
5/5 stars
Recommended for people who like: novellas, prequels, background information
This is novella briefly follows Kyra as she goes after the blue-flower and meets Cassel. I read A House of Rage and Sorrow before reading this and find Kyra to be a very different person than who she is in the 'present' universe. She's a seemingly softer person, though she is known as a somewhat notorious bounty hunter. However, that ambition of hers that led to so much trouble is still there and is, not coincidentally, what led her to pick the blue-flower in the first place. I think what's particularly interesting about Kyra is that, for all her ambition, I don't think she was lying when she said she accidentally killed the other queen. She wanted to be able to marry Cassel without compromising what's best for Kali, and with Amba at her side willing to grant three wishes, she was given the tools to do that. Compared to A Spark and A House, Kyra is less vicious, though this novella shows the beginnings of how she became the way she is as we know her in the other two books.
I liked seeing the history behind the blue-flower and how Kyra and Cassel came together. Knowing Leila and Kyra were friends before Kyra ascended to the throne also gives some background for certain events that occur in A House of Rage and Sorrow, though whether you read this before that one or after doesn't matter particularly, in my opinion.
Recommended for people who like: novellas, prequels, background information
This is novella briefly follows Kyra as she goes after the blue-flower and meets Cassel. I read A House of Rage and Sorrow before reading this and find Kyra to be a very different person than who she is in the 'present' universe. She's a seemingly softer person, though she is known as a somewhat notorious bounty hunter. However, that ambition of hers that led to so much trouble is still there and is, not coincidentally, what led her to pick the blue-flower in the first place. I think what's particularly interesting about Kyra is that, for all her ambition, I don't think she was lying when she said she accidentally killed the other queen. She wanted to be able to marry Cassel without compromising what's best for Kali, and with Amba at her side willing to grant three wishes, she was given the tools to do that. Compared to A Spark and A House, Kyra is less vicious, though this novella shows the beginnings of how she became the way she is as we know her in the other two books.
I liked seeing the history behind the blue-flower and how Kyra and Cassel came together. Knowing Leila and Kyra were friends before Kyra ascended to the throne also gives some background for certain events that occur in A House of Rage and Sorrow, though whether you read this before that one or after doesn't matter particularly, in my opinion.
allthatissim's review
4.0
This novella was quite good. This is set at least twenty years prior to the events of [b:A Spark of White Fire|37588503|A Spark of White Fire (The Celestial Trilogy, #1)|Sangu Mandanna|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1527637417l/37588503._SX50_.jpg|56738877]. It was interesting to see why Kyra did what she did and how it all turned the events that took place in the first book. I love this series so much, so that's why this novella felt a bit short for me. I don't want this story to end. I wish there was more detail about the three curses. However, I am glad Sangu provided this novella at all.
kalventure's review
5.0
You can read this short story for free on Sangu's website here (scroll to the bottom of the page).
I enjoyed this brief glimpse into the past before Alexi and Esmae were even born. I am definitely interested in Leila Saka and Kyra's friendship and hope that there will be more glimpses into the past. Since every action has consequences and brings our characters closer to the fixed points, I enjoyed seeing one piece of the puzzle. I also have more theories now about Max which I look forward to uncovering.
“Amba turned then. “Very well. This sea, right here. Swim out until you can see gold lights underwater. You’ll find a blueflower garden there, deep below the surface. Pick a single flower and bring it to me. If you succeed, you’ll earn your place in history. And my admiration. I’ll even give you three boons. Three wishes, for a single flower.'”One small action, forever having ripples on the future of the world. That is what Steel and Flowers brings to light for us: how Esmae's mother Kyra came to undo the fragile peace in the world and how the events of A Spark of White Fire come to pass.
I enjoyed this brief glimpse into the past before Alexi and Esmae were even born. I am definitely interested in Leila Saka and Kyra's friendship and hope that there will be more glimpses into the past. Since every action has consequences and brings our characters closer to the fixed points, I enjoyed seeing one piece of the puzzle. I also have more theories now about Max which I look forward to uncovering.
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reader_fictions's review
Probably would have enjoyed this more if I remembered who these people were. But it's a well-written and interesting short.
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